England's 74-run win at Chester-le-Street put them 3-0 up in the five-match series but, despite the one-sided nature of the scoreline, Cook's decision making has been questioned by some former players.

Swann, the leading wicket-taker in the series with 23, does not agree with them.

"I think most praise should go to Alastair Cook," he told the Sun. "What a start he has had to his Test captaincy career. In less than a year, Cookie has led England to our first series win in India for 28 years and become an Ashes-winning skipper.

"I know there are people saying he is too negative but I stand next to him in the field at second slip and know what goes on in his mind - he is very calculating.

"He is both aggressive and defensive when he needs to be. That makes him an excellent captain."